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I don't want to lose my boy!

17K views 157 replies 47 participants last post by  Toby'shuman 
#1 ·
Yesterday I learnt that my beautiful boy has contracted Leishmania.
I thought I had done everything to protect him, vaccinations, insect repellant collars, not allowing him out when the flies that spread the disease are out and about, (dusk). But when he started to limp for no reason followed literally within a day by him seemingly being unable to get his back legs to work I took him to the Vets thinking iit was a trapped nerve not Leishmania. But as the Vet examined him he started to say he suspected it could be something other than as simple trapped nerve.
I can't honestly say that once he started to say that he really thought it might be Leish that I heard what he was saying. All I could think of was how it eventually killed my Mastif and Boxer despite my trying everything there was to try to prevent it.
I just wanted to cry and even though the Vet said that because Toby was in the very early stages of Leish and that he had a fair chance of entering remission if the treatment was successful the truth is I am scared to death.
My baby boy is so ill. Leish is like an axe hanging over his head waiting to fall.

Please pray for him, he has a long uphill battle against this disease ahead of him and whilst there is no cure at present I am praying for a miracle.

I don't want to lose my boy, he is my heart, my soul, my everything.


The infection is acquired when sandflies transmit the flagellated parasites into the skin of a host. The incubation period from infection to symptoms is generally between one month to several years. In dogs, it invariably spreads throughout the body to most organs; renal (kidney) failure is the most common cause of death, and virtually all infected dogs develop visceral or systemic disease. As much as 90 percent of infected dogs will also have skin involvement. There is no age, gender, or breed predilection; however, males are more likely to have a visceral reaction.

The main organ systems affected are the skin, kidneys, spleen, liver, eyes, and joints. There is also commonly a skin reaction, with lesions on the skin, and hair loss. There is marked tendency to hemorrhage.
 
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#3 · (Edited)
Oh no...

Is there any treatment available?

Hugz to you and your boy.

Had to google this as I have not heard of it before.

Found this info... Spanish dogs and Leishmaniasis | Dog Watch UK

It mentions treating them with Gout medication, Allopurinol.

Edit to add, missed the part about Toby being treated, hope it helps.

Please keep us updated.
 
#25 · (Edited)
First I heard of this was with Elsa the lion, of Born Free, dying from it after raising her first litter of cubs. I didn't realize dog's were vulnerable either.

I'm so sorry you've received this devastating news. How very scary for you.

I believe one of the best things you can do yourself for your boy is to start giving him bone broth. People are going to think I'm the bone broth nut, and yes I am, but I've had so much success with giving it to Parker that I'm sold.

It builds the immune system and that's what he needs right now along with his Veterinary care.

I use pork neckbones, but any bones will do. Bones from organic grass fed free range (beef, goat, chicken, turkey...just organic or free range)animals are the best.

Check it out, benefits and how to make in link below. It's so easy to make.

http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/reasons-your-dog-love-bone-broth/
 
#29 ·
I believe one of the best things you can do yourself for your boy is to start giving him bone broth. People are going to think I'm the bone broth nut, and yes I am, but I've had so much success with giving it to Parker that I'm sold.
Bone Broth For Dogs? Here's Why It's A Great Idea!
Linda, what is the nutritional difference between cooking the nutrients out of the bones into a broth versus feeding the same bones raw?
 
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